Reviews with content warning for Grief - All The Right Notes

[Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a gifted copy for review!]

Rating: 4/5 stars

Quito Cruz is forced to reconnect with his high school friend (and crush) Emmett Aoki when Quito’s father insists the two perform together in his retirement concert.

I chose to listen to this one on audio and I am SO glad I did because the audio production was one of my favorites of all time. The narration was phenomenal, and because it is narrated by an actual Broadway actor, it also features real music and (incredible) singing, which really helped bring the story to life.

I was not necessarily expecting the emotional gut punch that this book had, but, yes, I definitely cried. Even though I don’t share any of the “main” characteristics of the MCs (I’m straight, I’m white, I’m a woman, etc) I still found so many aspects of the story to be relatable, and I really really loved the characters and the message it delivered. If this one sounds good to you, I wholeheartedly recommend it (especially on audio!)

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: second chance romance; dynamic audiobooks; books about music/theater

CW: Death of parent; grief; mentions of sexual assault

Content Warnings

imstephtacular's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

Content Warnings

stephbeaudoin20's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim
This book! Swoon! Sigh! Love!

I got an email about this book from the publisher. It was already published, but they were looking for additional reviewers on NetGalley. The email was something along the lines of Hi, you liked a book in a similar genre, want to try this one? Sure I thought, why not. I'm so glad I did!

Things I am here for:
LGBTQIA2S+ representation
Asian and Pacific Islander representation
Music!
The way that Quito processes music is so beautiful
The bond that Quito and Emmett have, for decades
Emmett finding his authentic self
Ujima, all of Ujima. The genuine lovely reactions they get from people: Security Tariq, Nurse Brian, Milton. Swoon!
Quito's explanation about using they/them pronouns for Ujima and how it's easy. ❤️
Filipino food. So delicious.

I highlighted so many wonderful lines in this book. This one is delightful and shows the fun inside Quito's mind.
"I take a sip of my virgin mojito. It’s smooth, sweet, and latently assertive— the lime tang kicks in at the end. Can a drink be passive-aggressive? If so, I’m in the right place for it."

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content Warnings